Swivel electrical connection



Oct. 25, 1938. A. E, CALDWELL 2,134,355

SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNECT ION Filed July 9, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet l Oct.25, 1938. A. E. CALDWELL SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNEQTIN Filed July 9, 19.34

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 www@ I VFiled July 9, 1934 4 Sheets-Shees 3 M@ *QW Oct.25, 1938. A. E. CALDWELL 2,l34,355

SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION gxm M Patented Oct. 25, 1938 UNITED STATESPATENT ori-ICE SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Application July 9, 1934,Serial No. '134,308

10 Claims.

This invention relates to swivel electrical connectors and moreparticularly is directed to such connectors as employed to effectdetachable elec'- trical connection between an outlet and anelectrically operated appliance, such as the connections between aflexible conductor and a wall socket or outlet, or a flexible conductorand the appliance which is supplied with current thereby.

In my copending application, Serial No. {521,079, filed July 6, 1932,which has matured into Patent No. 2,055,999 on Sept. 29, 1936, I havedisclosed one form of a swivel connector of this type, commonly called apush plug or prong plug having extending contact prongs adapted to beengaged within a receptacle such as a wall socket or the like, and whichin turn is provided with contact members adapted to be engaged by asecond contact plug carried by the flexible conductor, the contactmembers being rotatably carried by the cover of the push or prong plugto provide a swivel connection between the plug connected to the cordand the prong plug.

The present invention has for its primary object the provision of aswivel connector of a basic design that may be incorporated in aplurality of different types of swivel connectors, and which provides afreeswiveling connection having relatively small frictional resistanceto rotation so that connection thereto and subsequent rotation of theconnector means may be facilitated.

In the development of modern portable electrical appliances, it hasbecome customary to provide a flexible connector or conduit extendingfrom the appliance to an adjacent electrical outlet. However, in the useof such appliances as trouble lamps, electric irons, vacuum cleaners,ordinary portable lamps-and the like, these exible conductors have atendency to become kinked or twisted, and to remedy this undesirablesitnation I have provided a swivel electrical connector which is capableof automatically rotating to accommodate any twisting or kinkingtendencies of the cord. Further, wall outlets are sometimes so situatedas to be inconvenient of access, or disposed in a relatively darklocation where the position of the openings for receiving the contactprongs cannot be readily ascertained. By the provision of a swivelconnector of the type disclosed in the present invention, the insertionof the contact prongs connected to the electrical cord is facilitated bya cooperating rotation of the cover of the connector, whereby theopenings are brought into register with the contact prongs byapplication of axial pressure to the prongs, and the cord can thus bereadily connected without turning it into a predetermined position toalign it with the contact prong-receiving openings of the receptacle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a swivel connectorhaving bearing surn faces about which the rotation occurs, whichsurfaces are also employed for carrying the electrical circuit throughthe device. By this construction I provide a wiping contact surfacewhich is always maintained clean and bright by lo the rotation effectedduring connection and operation of the device, and which thereforereduces the electrical resistance through the device.

A distinct advantage securedby the present invention is the adaptabilityof the basic conlti struction for use in a plurality of different typesof connector devices, including the connectors between the currentconductors or cord and the appliance, so that, if desired, swivelconnections may be provided at each end of a flexible con- 20 ductor orcord. Also, threaded plug connectors for use in connection with threadedoutlet sockets may be provided with the swiveling means of the presentinvention.

In addition, the present invention is capable of providing a unitaryWall outlet construction having the swiveling means of the presentinvention incorporated therein, whereby no additional swivelingconnectors need be provided for attachment of a iiexible cord thereto.30

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of resilientmeans for spacing the cover of the connector device a slight distanceaway from the defining edge of the receptacle, to decrease thefrictional resistance to rotation, the resilient` meansvbeingindependent of the electrical circuit extending through the device.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of acompact and simplified construction in which all of the current conduct-40 ing parts may be economically formed and assembled, thecontact-engaging and conducting members being preferably formed frommetal stampings. Another advantage secured by reason of thisconstruction resides in the feature of having all of the rotatableelements carried by the swiveling member, and mounted upon a singlecentrally extending post which forms a part of the electrical circuit,whereby the swiveling contact members may be readily assembled inposition uponthe post, together with the cover, and this structure maythen be secured to the receptacle in order to form the complete contactconnector.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear morefully from the following detailed description, which, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, will disclose to thoseskilled in the art the construction and operation of a preferred form ofthe present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a push or prong type of plugconstructed according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the plug shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the plug, taken substantiallyon the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view ofthe plug taken substantially onthe line 4--4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is aperspective view of a contact nger employed in the presentinvention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the contact member which extends theelectrical circuit from a contact finger to one of the prongs of theplug;

Figure 'I is a perspective view cf an intermediate current-carryingmember employed in the plug construction;

Figure 8 is an elevational view of a threaded type o'f plug embodyingthe present invention;

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the plug as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken substan-` tially on the line III--IUof Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of a double outlet wall receptacleconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a sectional view of one of the contact units of thestructure shown in Figure 11, taken substantially on the line I2-I2 ofFigure 11;

Figure 13 is a plan view of a swivel connector employed in connectionwith the terminal connector for an electrical iron or the like;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line I4I4 ofFigure 13, showing in detail the internal construction of the swivelconnector;

Figure 15 is an elevational view of the swivel connector constructionshown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a contact connector shown in Figure14;

Figure 17 is a perspective detail of one of the elements of theconnector construction shown in Figure 14;

Figure 18 is an elevational view of a socket for a trouble lamp or thelike, provided with a swivel connector constructed according to theteachings of the present invention;

Figure 19 is an elevational sectional view of the socket shown in Figure18, taken substantially on the line I9-I9'thereof;

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2li-20 ofFigure 18, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

Figure 21 is a plan view of the insulating member shown in Figure 19.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the plug shown in Figures 1 to4, inclusive, comprises a receptacle or casing 5, formed of insulatingmaterial, such as a molded phenol condensation product or the like, andwhich is provided with a pair of projecting contact prongs 6 and 1,extending in spaced relation from the lower end thereof, the prongs 6and 1 being adapted to enter through suitable openings in a wall socketor the like to effect electrical contact with the contacts disposedwithin such an outthe ridge let. Mounted for rotation within thereceptacle 5 is a swivel cover 8, which also is formed of suitableinsulating material, such as molded or pressed phenol condensationmaterial or the like.

The cover 8 is provided at its center with a boss portion shown at 9,having a recess I8 of hexagonal or other suitable polygonal shape formedtherein. Disposed upon opposite sides of the boss 9 are a pair ofopenings I2, which are adapted to receive the contact prongs of a plugconnector carried by a flexible cord or the like. The openings I2 arelocated a considerable distance below the upper surface of the cover 8,and are separated by a defining ridge I3 which extends from the outerperiphery of the cover 8 inwardly to the central boss 9. This ridge isprovided with opposed sloping surfaces I4, which extend downwardlytoward the openings I2.

The peripheral surface of the cover 8 is provided with a rounded orconcaved depressed portion I5 which forms a camming surface for guidingthe prong plugs or the like into the openings I2, cooperating with thesurfaces Il formed by I3. This provides a substantially dished orconcaved surface leading to each of the openings I2, so that regardlessof the angular position of the cover 8 with respect to a pair of prongmembers which are to be inserted therein, the camming surfaces willeffect rotation of the cover 8 to align the openings I2 in position withrespect to the prong members which are to be inserted therethrough.

The cover 8 is rotatable about a centrally extending post or stud memberI8, which at its upper end is provided with a frusto-conical bearingsurface I1 adapted to engage over a corresponding surface formed in aretaining nut I8 having its outer peripheral surface formed tocorrespond to the periphery of the opening Ill, in the presentembodiment being hexagonal in shape. Thus, the nut member I8 rotateswith the cover 8, and has bearing engagement about the outwardly flaredsurface I1 of the post I8.

At its lower end, the post I6 is provided with a portion of reduceddiameter, indicated at I8, which projects through an opening formed inthe base of the receptacle 5, the receptacle 5 bein! provided with araised boss portion 20 through which the portion I9 of the stud I6extends.

A suitable recess is formed in the outer surface of the base of thereceptacle 5, and is adapted to receive the normally extending portion22 of the prong 6, which lies within this recess, to prevent rotation ofthe prong with respect to the receptacle, and the outer projecting endof the stud I8 is beaded or spun over, as shown at 23, for'. rigidlysecuring the post in position within the receptacle 5, and at the sametime clamping the prong 6 in nonrotative and fixed position with respectto the receptacle.

The cover 8, adjacent the opening III, is provided with a dependingcentralportion indicated at 24, which is suitably recessed, as indicatedat 25, to provide an annular chamber about the 4stud I6 in which isdisposed a spring member 26, which bears at its upper end against thelower surface of the nut member I8, and at its lower end is biasedagainst a sleeve member 21 extending upwardly about the stud I6, andhaving an upwardlyared portion cooperating with a corresponding reducedportion of the recess 25 for securing it in position with respect to thedepending portion 24 of the cover 8.

The lower end of the sleeve 21 is spaced a slight 75 thereof, firstcontact clip 38 and its extending distance above the boss 20 formed inthe receptacle 5, as shown at 28 in Figure 4, and, by reason of theresiliency ofthe spring member '26, allows a slight relative movement ofthe cover member 8 axially with respect` to the studr I6, the amount ofthis movement being limited by the space between kthe lower end 28 ofthe sleeve 21 and the upper end of the boss 20. This rprovides forspacing the cover`8 a slight distance away fromthe peripheral edge 28 ofthe receptacle 5, whereby its frictional resistanceto rotation ismaterially decreased.

Considering now in detail Figure 3, a pair of contact fingers, formedfrom resilient metal stampings, are indicated at 30 and 32,respectively, vthe contact nger 38 being shown in detail in Figure 5.This contact finger is provided with a doubled back portion indicated at30a, which is adapted to have wiping contact engagement with a prongmember inserted through the opening I2. 'I'he main portion of thecontact finger 30 extends downwardly along the outer surface of thedepending portion 24 of the cover 8, being spaced away therefrom by alaterally bent portion 33, and having a supporting flange or tab v34extending normal thereto and engaging .about the lower end .28 of thesleeve member 21,

the flange 34 being apertured to have relatively Y tight fit over theouter surface of the sleeve member 21 and bearing against the projectingportion 28 thereof. It is therefore apparent that an electrical circuitcan be traced from the contact prong which enters the opening I2 andengages the portion 30a of the contact finger 30, through the contactfinger 30 and the sleeve 21 to the post or stud I6, and then downwardlythrough the post or stud to the portion 22 of the contact prong 8.

The opposite contactfinger 32 is formed in substantially the samemanner, but is insulated from the post I 6 by reason of the dependingportion 24 of the cover 8, and the insulating member 3I, the contactfinger 32 having a relatively large opening extending about portion 24of the cover. Disposed immediately above the inner extending flangeportion 35 of the contact 32 is a contact clip indicated in detail inFigure 7.

This contact clip has bearing engagement on its lower surface with theuppersurface of the flange portion 35 of the contact finger 32, the clip35 having an aperture 31 formed therein which engages about the lowerend of the depending portion 24 of the cover. Formed integrally with theclip 36, and extending laterally and upwardly therefrom are a pair oftongue members 38, which are provided with rounded and downturned endportions 39, as shown in detail in Figure 7. The under surfaces of thelaterally and downwardly turned ends 39 are adapted to receive the upperprojecting ends 48 of a second contact clip member 4I, shown in detailin Figure 6. The contact clip member 4I is adapted to extend downwardly,having an outwardly flared -central portion provided with a raisedfrusto-conical surface 42. This frustoconical surfacev 42 is adapted toextend over a corresponding frusta-conical surface 43 formed upon alaterallygextending portion y44 of the prong 1. This frusto-conicalportion 43 of the prong 1 engages about and is secured in contact withthe extending boss 20 of the receptacle 5, and the inner surfacer of theraised portion 42 of the contact clip 4I has rotative bearing engagementthereabout, thereby extending a circuit from the contact finger 32,flange portion 35' arms 38 to the arms 48 of the contact clip 4I, andAthence downwardly through the lfrusto-conical bearing surfaces 42 and 48to the terminal prong 1.

The spring .26 presses against the sleeve 21,

and the'lower end of the sleeve 21 is spaced away from the boss 20 byreason of the contact clip 4I bearing upon the surface 43. Thus, thespring pressure serves to press the surface 42 against the surface 43 tomaintain a positive wiping contact therebetween to insure goodelectrical conduction across these surfaces. of the cover 8 with respectAto the receptacle 5 is taken up between the contact surfaces 42 and 43,and about the outwardly flared surface I1 which engages the nut memberI8. Since the surfaces are smooth, there is relatively little frictionalresistance to rotation, inasmuch as the area of the surfaces ismaintained small with respect to the peripheral extent thereof, andconsequently the cover 8 rotates freely about the stem I8, and, with thegrooves formed in the corner, is capable of readily rotating andpositioning itself to accommodate contact prongs extending into theopenings I2. `The contact fingers 30 and 32, which rotate jointly withthe cover, will thus a1- ways be disposed in alignment with the openingI2, whereby 4they may be readily engaged by the contacts extendingtherethrough.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, inclusive, the same swivelingconstruction as provided by the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7,inclusive, is

disposed herein, but is shown as applied to a4 threaded plug instead ofa contact prong or push plug. The cover member 45 shown in Figures 8 and10 corresponds in design to the cover member 8 of the previousembodiment. This cover member is provided with corresponding openings,for the reception of prong contacts, and has corresponding contact ngers30 and 32 disposed therein Vand rotatable therewith for extending theelectrical circuit from the contact fingers of a push type or endconnection plug of an electric cord to the connector. The receptacle 48,shown in section vin Figure 10, is substantially cupshaped in form; andis provided with an outwardly extending shoulder portion extending underand aligned with the cover 45. About the cylindrical portion of thereceptacle 46 is disposed a metallic shell member 41 having threadsformed thereon adapted to be engaged in suitable threads formed in awall socket or the like. This is of standard construction, and needs nospecific description. n

Adjacent the lower end of the receptacle 48, and extending thereacrossis an insulating washer 48, which is centered about the extendingportion 49 of the stem I6'. A flanged cup-shaped member 50 formed ofmetal, is disposed in inverted position on the insulating washer 48, andsolder or the like is poured therein, and secures the head I of theexending portion 48 of the stud I6 to the metal cup 50, forming oneterminal of the plug. The other terminal comprises the laterallyextending portion 44 of a terminalf contact similar to the prong 1 ofthe embodiment shown in Figure 1, whichis bent upwardly at 52 within asuitable cut-out portion of the receptacle 46, and is soldered orsweated to the inner periphery of the metallic threaded cylinder 41 toextend the electrical circuit from contact 32 to the threaded member 41providing the other terminal of the plug. The washer 48 is securedagainst rotation by interlocking engagement with two ex- The friction ofrotationV tending tongue portions 53 formed at the lower end of thereceptacle 46. The operation of the structure is the same as describedin connection with the previous embodiment, the only variation from thestructure shown in Figures 1 to '7, inclusive, being the formation ofthe terminal portions of the member, since the prongs 8 and 1 arereplaced by the terminals 5i and 41.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, this shows aduplex type of wall socket or receptacle provided with swivelingconnections of the type previously described. A pair of rotatable covermembers 55, corresponding in design and construction to the covers 8 and45 of the previous embodiment, are provided, and are mounted upon a pairof extending stud members 56 and 51 secured in a single housing 58 whichextends behind the wall plate or facing plate 58. 'I'he extending endsof the studs 56 and 51 are joined by a substantially T-shaped connectingmember 58, which member has`a down-turned portion 6| provided with ascrew or terminal lug 62 for securing a conductor thereto. Thisconstruction is shown in detail in Figure-12. 'I'he other terminal,indicated at 83, corresponds to the terminals 44 and 44 of Figures 3 and10, but is extended between the two studs 56 and 51, the housing 58being provided with cutout portions indicated at 54, which accommodatethe insertion oi' the terminals 53 thereinto. The two terminals 63 ofthe duplex socket are joined by an integral tongue 55, which is providedwith a terminal nut 66 for connecting an electrical conductor thereto.

The internal construction of each of the outlet sockets formed in thereceptacle shown in this embodiment is the same, and is identical withthe construction shown in the embodiments of -Figures 1 and 8. Thus, twocontact fingers 38 and 32 are provided, and are alined for rotation withthe openings I2 formed in the cover members 55 for engaging contactprongs inserted through these openings. Also, the bearing engagementbetween the contact clip 4'I and the raised bearing surface 43 is thesame as previously described, and extends the circuit from the contactfinger 32 to the terminal 85. In the same manner, the circuit from thecontact iinger 38 is extended through the sleeve 21 to the stud members56 and 51, and thence through the terminal member 68 to the terminal lug62.

It will be noted that in each of the three embodiments described, theconstruction of the swivel connector structure and cover is identical,being embodied in three different types of receptacles. It is thusapparent that the swiveling connection means of 'the present inventionmay be equally well appliedto a separate contact plug of the push typeor of the threaded socket type, or may be formed within a wall outlet orreceptacle of either single or duplex construction.

In Figures 13 to 17, inclusive, I have shown a swivel connector of thepresent invention as applied to the connection between an electric cordand an electric iron or similar electrically operated appliance. Theordinary type of insulated handle or similar disconnect means is shownat 61, having oppositely disposed finger portions 68 and 69. Dependingfrom a recessed portion lthereof is a relatively strong helically coiledspring member 18, within which extends the two conductors 1I and 12which extend the circuit to the electrically operated mechanism within.the appliance, there ordinarily being a terminal socket carried by theresilient spring means 18 and which extends over a pair oi' contact plugterminals secured to the appliance.

A ilexible electrical cord is indicated at 13, and has the conductors 14and 15 disposed therein in insulated relationship. This cord 13 isadapted to enter into a cup-shaped socket 16 through a resilientsupporting means, comprising a spring member 11 provided with an upperflanged cap member 18 forming a smooth guideway for the cord 13, toprevent abrasion of the insulation thereof.

The insulated handle 81 is provided with a recess 19, and the baseportion of the recess 19 is provided with a raised boss portion 88corresponding to the boss portion 28 of the embodiment shown in Figures1 to 12, inclusive. A stud member 82, corresponding to the stud memberI6, is supported in this raised boss portion, and at its lower end isconnected to a terminalmember 83 having an outwardly extending portion84 to which the conductor 1I is soldered or otherwise suitablymechanically and electrically connected. The stud member 82 at its upperend has an outwardly ilared head portion 85, which is engaged by alocking nut member 86 in the same manner as described in connection withthe previous embodiment. A rotatable insulating member 81, correspondingto the cover members 8, 45 and 55 of the previously describedembodiment, is provided with openings 88 through which the bared ends ofthe conductors 14 and 15 extend. A spring member 89 is provided forbiasing the nut member 88 upwardly against the ilanged end of the stud82, and for pressing downwardly upon a sleeve 98 corresponding to thesleeve 21 of the previous embodiment.

A pair of resilient contact iingers 92 and 93 are provided, the contactfinger 92 being shown in detail in Figure 16, and comprising a baseportion extending substantially normal to the stud member 22 and havingan enlarged opening 94 therein which is adapted to extend about thesleeve member 98 and to bear against the flange 95 formed at the lowerend of the sleeve member.

At its upper end, the contact finger member 92 is provided with a notchor similar cutout portion 95, which is adapted to extend over andreceive the bared end of the conductor. It is to be understood that anysuitable conductor engaging means may be provided at the free end of thecontact iinger.

The contact nger 92 therefore extends an electrical connection from theconductor 15 through the contact finger, through the sleeve 98, and thestud 82 to the terminal 83, and thence to the conductor 1i. The contactfinger 93 is similar to the contact finger 92, but is provided with `anenlarged opening of greater diameter than the opening 94 of the contactfinger 92. This contact ringer is mounted about an extending portion ofthe member 81, which is formed of insulating material, and is spacedfrom the contact nger 92 by an insulating member indicated at 91. Theinsulating member 91 corresponds generally to the insulating member 3|interposed between the contact fingers 38 and 32 in the embodiment shownin Figures i to l2,

inclusive.

The upper surface of the inwardly extending portion of the contact nger93 is engaged by a contact member indicated generally at 98 in Figure17, this member having an opening 99 therein iitting over the lowerextending end of the member 81, and having a pair of upwardly extendingcontact fingers |88, which are adapted titi g released from the member8l.

to be engaged by corresponding upwardly extending arms |02 formedintegral with and carried by a contact member |03 corresponding to thecontact member v4| of Figure 6, the arms |02 corresponding to the arms40 shown in this figure. These arms have relative sliding engagementtherebetween, the lower end of the member |03 being provided with araised truste-conical contact surface |04 adapted to have bearingengagement about a corresponding surface |05 formed on terminal member06 which extends downwardly through the opening |01 formed below therecess i9 of the member 6l, and "which is adapted te be engagedmechanicallyan'd electri cally by the bared end of the conductor 1.2.

The sont #t linger 93 therefore extends van electrical circuitirom theconductor "i4 through theiinger di?, and thence through the Contact clip98 and its extending arms E00 to the extending arms lili of the member|03, and thence through the corresponding contact surfaces idd and l05to the terminal 06 and conductor l2.

The principal features of the construction shown in Figure 14 correspondto the construc=-I tion shown in Figures 3 and 1G, the cup-shaped memberl@ being slid downwardly over the member 8l and engaging bowed portionsof the contact ngers .t2 and S3 to force these lingers into tightcontacting engagement with the bared ends of the conductors 'I4 and l5.The cord "i3, the receptacle lli, the member dl, and the contact fingersand the member S83 are all rotatable about the stud 82, so that anytendency oi the cord lil to twist or llink, is eliminated by thisswiveling connection. 'lo disconnect the lamp cord, all that isnecessary is to slide the member upwardly, which releases the pressureagainst the contact lingers 92 and Q3, and allows the b-ared ends 'llland lt of the conductors to be @rdinarily how-= ever, the cord ismaintained in connected position, the connection to and disconnectionlfrom the appliance being accomplished by the terminal socket disposedbelow the spring lil, or by a disconnect plug carried at the oppositeend of the cord i3, which is engaged within a current-conEn nectingreceptacle similar to that shown in any of the embodiments described inconnection with .Figures l to l2.

lin Figures 18 to 2l, inclusive, l have disclosed a swivel connection ofthe construction described previously, adapted for use in a trouble lampsocket or the like.

ln this embodiment, a trouble lamp or light bulb is indicated atv and isadapted to be ses cured within a socket H2 carried within a.substantially cylindrical holder H3 having an an-n nular flange lid atits upper end. Mounted below the flange ||4 about the surface of theholder H3 is a clamp member H5, which is provided with a plurality ofguard members H5 forming a cage enclosing the bulb |i0 and protectingthe same from mechanical injury.

The holder H3, below the socket 2, is provided with a portion H1 ofreduced diameter, which at its lower end is provided with an annula.:peripheral bead 8 having a corresponding annular groove ||9 formed onthe inner surface thereof. A cup-shaped receptacle is adapted to beinserted into the lower end of the holder 3, and is preferably formed ofinsulating material or the like. This corresponds to receptacle 5 ofFigure 1. The member |20 is provided with a raised boss portion |22,through which a stud 1. member |23 extends, the stud member |23 beinglprovided with opposed cut-out portions provided with an outwardly aredhead portion |24 having bearing engagement Awith a nut member |25. Atits opposite end, the stud member |23 extends'through the boss |22 ofthe receptacle |20, and itshead portion is secured over and mechanicallyand electrically connected to a terminal lug |26, which carries aneyelet|21 at its free end, the eyelet |2'| being adapted to receive aconductor |28 which is soldered or otherwise secured thereto. Theconductor |28 extends upwardly and is connected to the terminal |29 ofthe socket member H2. n

Extending through the base portion of the receptacle |20 is a secondeyelet |30, which is adapted to receive the conductor 32, the conductorbeing soldered or otherwise suitably secured therein, and extendingupwardly and being connected to the terminal H33 of the soclret H2. Thesocket |62 is thereby electrically connected to the stud |23 and to theeyelet H30 carried by the receptacle i20'.

Mounted over the boss portion 22, `and rigidly secured in position bythe eyelet EV is a termi@ nal member i3d, correspondingto the membersi015, 40 and tt of previous embodiments, and

f which forms an opposite terminal connection for the conductor 632 Thetrouble lamp cord 35, which is connected to a suitable'source ofelectrical current supply, has the two conductors' l3t and i3l thereoiconnected respectively to the terminals @3S and it@ formed within thecup-shaped terminal socket idd which surrounds the conductor 935.

A cover member ist, provided with a cylindrical extending portion, ismounted for rotation about the stud 23, and the cylindrically extendingportion thereof extends into the receptacle G25. A pair oi contactterminals, indicated at M3 and i463, are connected through stud membersM5 and tdt to rminal members i4? and idd, which extend the electricalconnections irom the terminals [H33 and Mt to the terminals i3d and thestud member' i123, respectively, through the same type ci contactingengagement as described in connection with Figures 13 to l'l, inclusive.The terminal portions iii@ and l of the cover member M2 extend outwardlyfrom the cover M2, and are provided with annularly grooved portions idd,which areadapt'ed to be engaged with suitable camming terminals orVplates and ibi connectedto the terminal vlugs |30 and E39. Thesecamming terminal plates |50 and |56 are so formed that the ter mina]portions 43 and |44 may rst be positioned and extend therethrough asshown in dotted lines in Figure 20. Upon rotation of the member 40,which is provided with a shoulder `upon which the terminal cam platesE50 and |5| are supported, the terminals |43 and |44 are locked, bymeans of the annular grooves |49 formed therein, in the position shownin full lines in Figure 2U, whereby the member |40, together with theconductor |35, is mechanically and electrically connected to the cover|42, and is mounted for' conjoint rotation therewith. Since the cover|42 is rotatable about the stem |23, it is apparent that a swivelingconnection is provided, so that the cord |35 will have no tendency tobecome kinked or twisted. A suitable insulating member |55, shown inFigure 21, is |56' through which thev terminals |43 and |44 are adaptedto extend down into engagement with the camming plates |50 and |5|,whereby the member- |40, and terminnal lugs |38 and |38, are insulatedwith respect to the cover |42.

In the assembly of the construction shown in this embodiment, the socket|I2 is first mounted in the position shown, with the conductors |32 and|28 connected thereto and being of suicient length to extend outwardlyof the lower end H8 of the holder. The receptacle member |20 is thenconnected, by means of the eyelets |30 and |21, to the conductors |28and |32, and is then moved inwardly into locking engagement with theperipheral bead ||9 of the holder, the conductors |28 and |32 being atthe same time forced into the space |51 in the holder.

After the receptacle |20 has been placed in position, the cover |42being mounted thereon for rotation as previously described, the'conductor |35, which has its conductors |38 and |31 connected to thecamming plates |50 and |5|, is locked in position with respect to theterminals |43 and |44 by being inserted over the terminals and thenrotated to lock the terminals in the position shown, as previouslydescribed. This completes the electrical connection to the light member||0.

It is apparent that the present invention proi vides a basicconstruction for a swiveling connection which may be employed inconnection with a multiplicity of different types of swivel electricalconnections, and which may be disposed either at the wall outlet orreceptacle, being formed as a part of the wall outlet, or as a separateand individual prong or push type of plug or socket type of plug, or maybe provided for effecting connection between an electric supply cord andan electrically operated appliance, such as a trouble lamp or electriciron or the like.

The principles embodied in the present invention, as shown, areapplicable to a wide variety of uses, of which only a few have beenshown and described herein. I therefore do not intend to limit myself tothe exact applications of the invention which have been .shown anddescribed in detail herein, but only as dened by the scope and spirit ofthe appended claims.

I claim:

1. swiveling connector means for extending electrical circuits from apair of spaced contact members carried by a rotatable insulating rnemberto a pair of fixed terminals, comprising a central post connected to oneof said terminals and having bearing means for supporting saidinsulating member for rotation thereabout, a contact sleeve carried bysaid insulating member and having contacting engagement with said post,means for supporting one of said contact members on said sleeve, asecond contact member having rotative contacting engagement with theother of said fixed terminals, said second contact member having opposeddiverging contact arms, and an intermediate contact member extendingbetween the otherfof said spaced contact members and havingcorresponding arms resiliently engaging said contact arms, whereby saidsecond contact member is locked `for conjoint rotation with said otherof said spaced contact members.

2. Means providing a swiveling connection between an electric cord andan electrical current supply outlet comprising a cup-shaped receptaclehaving )terminal members extending to the outer surface of saidreceptacle, a post extending axially in said receptacle and havingengagement with one of said terminal members, an insulating cover memberhaving bearing means engaging the extending end of said post providingfor rotation of said cover thereabout, said cover having opposedopenings for receiving contact members carried by said cord, contactfingers carried by said cover within said receptacle adapted to beengaged by said contact members, means for connecting one of saidfingers to said post, means resiliently spacing said cover out ofengagement with said receptacle and providing an electrical connectionbetween the other of said contact ngers and the other of said terminalmembers, and spring means-tending to urge said cover axially inwardly ofsaid housing.

3. Means providing a swiveling connection between an electric cord andan electrical current supply outlet comprising a cup-shaped receptaclehaving terminal members extending to the outer surface of saidreceptacle, a post extending axially in said receptacle and havingengagement with one of said terminal members, an insulating cover memberhaving bearing means engaging the extending end of said post `providingfor rotation of said cover thereabout,

said cover having opposed openings fox-.receiving contact memberscarried by said cord, contact fingers carried by said cover within saidreceptacle adapted to be engaged by said contact members, means forconnecting one of said fingers to said post, means resiliently spacingsaid cover out of engagement with said receptacle and providing anelectrical connection within said receptacle between the other of saidcontact fingers and the other of said terminal members, and

spring means tending to urge said cover axially inwardly of saidhousing, said spring means being independent of the electrical circuitthrough said connection.

4. In a swivel connector oi' the class described.

means for extending a circuit connection from a rotatable contact fingerto a fixed terminal, comprising a first contact-carrying member having acontact surface having rotatable bearing contact with said terminal,said member having extending contact arms, a second contacting membermounted for conjoint rotation with said rst contact member and havingextending arm portions resiliently engaging the arms of said firstmember for rotating said first member about said contact surface uponrotation of said contact finger, said second contact member having acontact surface providing contacting engagement with said finger.

5. Means providing a swiveling electrical connection between a flexibleelectric cord and an electrically operated appliance comprising a pairof terminal conductors connected to said appliance, a terminal housinghaving a recess therein, a post member extending centrally of saidrecess and connected at its lower end to one of said conductors, aterminal member connected to the other of said conductors and extendinginto said recess, said member having a contact surface extending aboutand insulated from said post, a rotatable insulating member mounted onsaid post, contact fingers carried thereby, means carried by saidinsulating member for connecting one of said fingers to said post,resilient rotatable means connected to the other of said fingers andhaving a contact surface .engaging the contact surface of said terminalmember, and means -member and urging said contact fingers into ditductor cord comprising ay lamp holder, a socket therein, a receptaclecarried by said holder, terminal means on said receptacle electricallyconnected to said socket, a cover for said receptacle having contactmembers carried thereby, said cover being rotatable coaxially of saidreceptacle, means carried by said cover for electrically connecting saidcontact members to said terminal means in all rotative positions of saidcover, and an end connection for said cord comprising a pair of terminallugs having camming plates connected thereto, said camming plates beingadapted to connect the conductor of said cord to said contact membersand to lock said end connection of said cord for conjoint rotation withsaid cover,

7. An electrical Wall receptacle for providing a plurality oi walloutlet connections comprising a wall plate, an insulating housingsecured thereto, said housing having a plurality of spaced recessestherein havingA terminal means including a post extending axiallythrough each of said recesses, said terminal means having a commonterminal tor said posts, insulating covers for each oi said recessesmounted for rotation on said posts, spring means about said post holdingsaid covers out oi irictional engagement Withsaid housing drivingrotation thereof, contact means carried by each of said covers anddisposed within said recesses,\and means for maintaining electricalconnection between said contact means and said terminal means duringrotation oi said covers.

3. Swiveling connector means comprising a wall plate, an insulatinghousing secured thereto and having spaced cylindrical recesses formedtherein and alined with openings in said plate, terminal posts extendingcentrally through each oi said recesses, cover members disposed in saidopenings and rotatably mounted on said posts, opposed contact iingerscarried by each of said covers and rotatable therewith within saidrecesses, said cover member having openings therethrough providing foraccess to said contact iingers Within said recesses, a common terminaliug for said terminal posts, means for connecting one of said contactiingers in each of said recesses to said posts, terminal means in eachof said recesses insulated from said posts and having a common terminallug, and rotatable resillent contact means carried by each of saidcovers for connecting the other of said contact fingers to said terminalmeans, said contact lingers being electricallyconnected to therespective terminal lugs in all rotative positions of said covers.

9. In a device of the class described, a cup portion of non-conductivematerial, a'plug p0rtion of non-conductive material having substantiallyits entire body'- rotatably mounted insaid cup portion, an elongatedmetallic sleeve mounted in said plug portion, a metallic shaft elementoperatively secured at one end to said cup portion and having asubstantial portion of its length journaled in said sleeve, a means forlimiting the longitudinal sliding movement of, said plug portionrelative to said cup portion in both directions, a metallic collar xedto the inside bottom of said cup portion arranged concentrically withsaid shaft element and said plug and cup portions, a metallic ringrotatably mounted around said collar, two spring arms diametricallyextending from said ring member, an elongated metallic member havingnotches in both of its ends for receiving the outer end portions of saidspring arms respectively, an electricity conducting member connected tosaid elongated metallic member, an electricity conducting member leadingfrom said sleeve, an electricity conducting member electricallyconnected to said shaft element, and an electricity conducting memberconnected to said collar.

lo. In a device of the class described, a cup portion of non-conductivematerial having a hollow projection arising from its inside bottom, I

a plug portion of non-conductive material having substantially itsentire body rotatably mounted in said cup portion, an elongated metallicsleeve mounted in the center portion of said plug portion, a metallicshaft element secured to said cup portion and extending through saidsleeve, a means for limiting the longitudinal sliding movement of saidplug portion relative to said cup portion in both directions, a coneshaped metallic collar fixed around the said projection arising from theinside bottom of said cup portion, a metallic ring rotatably mountedaround said metallic collar, two spring arms diametrically extendingfrom said ring, an elongated metallic member having notches in both ofits ends and receiving the outer end portions of said spring armsrespectively, an, electricity conducting member connected to saidelongated metallic member, an electricity conducting member leading fromsaid sleeve, an electricity conducting member electrically connected tosaid shaft element, and an electricity conducting member connected tosaid collar.

ALBERT E'. CALDWELL.

CERTIFICATE CF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,15Lh555. october 25, 1958.

ALBERT E.. CALDWELL.

It ishereby certified that error-L appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiringco'rrection as foll'ows :.'Page 'Ifirst column, line 52, claim?, for the word "drivingf read during; andthat the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein.th'at the.

same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of December, A. D. 1958.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissiener ef Patents.

